“This show would never have been the same without Paula and I can’t believe I am saying this, [but] I have missed her a lot, and I am thrilled she’s on the show,” Simon, 51, said in a statement Sunday afternoon about reuniting with Paula, 48, after judging with her on American Idol.

Paula also expressed her excitement at having a job again doing the show. “I am excited beyond words to be a part of The X Factor,” said Paula. “I couldn’t be happier to bring my love for cultivating talent and performance to such a wildly anticipated show.”

And despite the rumors thatNicole Scherzinger would be a judge on the show, it was announced yesterday that she will co-host the new series with British TV personality Steve Jones.

X-Factor began its first round of auditions in Los Angeles yesterday and is scheduled to debut in September. Joining Paula and Simon on the judging panel are British singer Cheryl Cole and former Def Jam president L.A. Reid. Simon announced months ago that the winner of the competition will receive an astonishing $5 million recording deal!

Photos below from yesterday’s LA auditions!

TELL US – ARE YOU EXCITED TO SEE PAULA RETURN TO TV? THOUGHTS ON THE X-FACTOR SHOW & JUDGING PANEL?